Completed or considering the AAT qualification? You could be one step closer to becoming an ICAEW Chartered Accountant.

AAT-ACA Fast Track is the collaboration between the Association of Accounting Technicians and ICAEW, designed to inspire AAT students and members to then pursue the ACA, as it recognises those skills gained whilst studying for the AAT. You are able to work-and-study with the AAT, so it’s a great option for many school-leavers, giving you the option to further your study onto the AAT-ACA Fast Track if you wanted to.

Course overview

There are three different levels that make up the AAT qualification. Although you don’t need any formal qualifications to study for the AAT, having GCSEs, A-levels or a degree may enable you to start at a more advanced level of the AAT.

Year 1 – AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting

Year one is mandatory, and will cover in-depth financial processes, such as final accounts for sole traders, costs and revenues, and professional ethics.

Year 2 – AAT Level 4 Diploma in Accounting

In your second year you will begin your work experience with an ICAEW authorised employer (ATE), and this will go towards your ACA qualification.

You will also complete four compulsory AAT units at this stage. These compulsory modules will enable you to apply for credit for prior learning for the following ACA Certificate Level modules:

• Accounting
• Business and finance
• Management information

As well as completing two optional modules:

• Assurance – you will need to have completed External Auditing to be able to apply for credit for this module.
• Principles of tax – you will need to complete both Personal and Business Tax to be eligible to apply for credit for this module.

Year 3 – Begin the ACA

Year 3 will see you beginning the ACA qualification; you will be able to apply for credit acquired during your work experience.

Year 4 – Complete your qualification!

This is your final year, where you will complete the ACA with the last three Advanced Level modules.

Once complete, you can apply for membership with ICAEW, where you will become an ICAEW Chartered Accountant, and have the appropriate skill-set to continue your career in accountancy, finance or business.

To learn more, contact the EIMF at 2227 4470